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UD OLLI Summer Selections: June 22 – July 23, 2026
Five weeks of fun topics, short courses and field trips
Detailed course listing coming soon — click here for a preview of Summer Selections 2026
Use the dropdowns below to view available offerings by day of the week, category, or other filters.
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The course number of this class has been corrected since catalog publication.
Wilmington (off site, 310 Kiamensi Road): March 31, 2026 to April 28, 2026
Tuesday at 10:30 AM
Explore the use of light, shadow and color to create forms using watercolors. Previous experience required. Supply list is provided for students to purchase before class starts. Offered in partnership with The Art Studio, the arts education center of New Castle County’s Department of Community Services. The class may run 1.5 hours each week if the student’s schedule allows. Prerequisite: Beginner’s watercolor class or other watercolor experience. Additional fee: Requires a fee of $45 payable to the Art Studio. A payment link is sent to class members prior to the first class.
Sign up for the Tuesday section held off-site at The Art Studio, located at 310 Kiamensi Road, Wilmington, DE 19804, or the online section held on Wednesdays.
Please note additional fee mentioned above.
Taught by: Karen Berstler, Nicole Sexton
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): April 1, 2026 to April 29, 2026
Wednesday at 12:45 PM
Unlock the power of color in this hands-on, five-week exploration of color theory designed for artists working in acrylics. Each session blends practical exercises with creative application as you learn to mix, match and manipulate color to bring harmony and emotion to your artwork. Through guided lessons and experiments, you’ll gain confidence in working with the color wheel, understanding value and intensity, mixing tints, tones and shades to create dynamic color palettes. This section is held during the 2nd 5-week session.
Taught by: Gabrielle Bradley
Wilmington (off site, 310 Kiamensi Road): March 16, 2026 to March 16, 2026
Monday at 10:00 AM
Additional fee: Please note that this course requires an additional fee of $40. Participants receive a payment link from OLLI prior to the first class. There is also an additional $30 material fee due to the instructor. Learn to cut, grind, foil and solder your stained glass suncatcher using the Tiffany Style of stained glass (foil and solder method). No experience necessary. This workshop is perfect for beginners. Offered in partnership with The Art Studio, the arts education center of New Castle County’s Department of Community Services, located at 310 Kiamensi Road, Wilmington, DE 19804. Four classes are available, offering the opportunity to create a penguin, 3-D succulent, flamingo or tulip. Register for one or all! Please note that the additional fees mentioned above apply to each class.
Taught by: Melissa Kluczynski, Nicole Sexton
Wilmington (off site, 310 Kiamensi Road): April 13, 2026 to April 13, 2026
Monday at 10:00 AM
Additional fee: Please note that this course requires an additional fee of $40. Participants receive a payment link from OLLI prior to the first class. There is also an additional $30 material fee due to the instructor. Learn to cut, grind, foil and solder your stained glass suncatcher using the Tiffany Style of stained glass (foil and solder method). No experience necessary. This workshop is perfect for beginners. Offered in partnership with The Art Studio, the arts education center of New Castle County’s Department of Community Services, located at 310 Kiamensi Road, Wilmington, DE 19804. Four classes are available, offering the opportunity to create a penguin, 3-D succulent, flamingo or tulip. Register for one or all! Please note that the additional fees mentioned above apply to each class.
Taught by: Melissa Kluczynski, Nicole Sexton
Wilmington (off site, 310 Kiamensi Road): May 4, 2026 to May 4, 2026
Monday at 10:00 AM
Additional fee: Please note that this course requires an additional fee of $40. Participants receive a payment link from OLLI prior to the first class. There is also an additional $30 material fee due to the instructor. Learn to cut, grind, foil and solder your stained glass suncatcher using the Tiffany Style of stained glass (foil and solder method). No experience necessary. This workshop is perfect for beginners. Offered in partnership with The Art Studio, the arts education center of New Castle County’s Department of Community Services, located at 310 Kiamensi Road, Wilmington, DE 19804. Four classes are available, offering the opportunity to create a penguin, 3-D succulent, flamingo or tulip. Register for one or all! Please note that the additional fees mentioned above apply to each class.
Taught by: Melissa Kluczynski, Nicole Sexton
Wilmington (off site, 310 Kiamensi Road): April 2, 2026 to April 16, 2026
Thursday at 12:30 PM
Discover the expressive power of the dip pen — an ancient drawing tool that continues to inspire artists today. In this workshop, artists will learn essential tips and techniques to create dynamic, fluid, and detailed drawings using dip pens and ink. Through guided exercises and hands-on practice, you’ll explore line variation, texture, cross-hatching, and mark-making to develop your own visual language. All levels welcome. Offered in partnership with The Art Studio, the arts education center of New Castle County’s Department of Community Services, located at 310 Kiamensi Road, Wilmington, DE 19804. Additional fee: Please note that this course requires an additional fee of $75. Participants receive a payment link from OLLI prior to the first class. There is also an additional $10 material fee due to the instructor at the first class.
Taught by: Katherine Lecocq, Nicole Sexton
Wilmington (off site, 310 Kiamensi Road): April 13, 2026 to April 27, 2026
Monday at 12:30 PM
Learn the basics of gouache painting in this fun and approachable workshop. Participants explore the unique qualities of gouache — a versatile medium that combines the water-activated flow of watercolor with the rich opacity of acrylic paint, offering artists the best of both worlds. Perfect for beginners or anyone curious about trying something new! Offered in partnership with The Art Studio, the arts education center of New Castle County’s Department of Community Services, located at 310 Kiamensi Road, Wilmington, DE 19804. Additional fee: Please note that this course requires an additional fee of $75. Participants receive a payment link from OLLI prior to the first class. There is also an additional $10 material fee due to the instructor at the first class.
Taught by: Katherine Lecocq, Nicole Sexton
Wilmington (off site, 310 Kiamensi Road): March 2, 2026 to March 2, 2026
Monday at 12:30 PM
Explore the art of intaglio printmaking using simple, accessible materials you can find at home! In this hands-on class, you’ll learn how to transform a plastic surface — such as a recycled milk carton or food container — into a makeshift printing plate. Using a sharp tool, you’ll incise your design into the surface, then apply and wipe ink into the grooves to prepare your image for printing. Some images will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring in their own sketches and inspiration. Offered in partnership with The Art Studio, the arts education center of New Castle County’s Department of Community Services, located at 310 Kiamensi Road, Wilmington, DE 19804. Additional fee: Please note that this course requires an additional fee of $37. Participants receive a payment link from OLLI prior to the first class. There is also an additional $10 material fee due to the instructor at the first class.
Taught by: Katherine Lecocq, Nicole Sexton
Wilmington (off site, 310 Kiamensi Road): March 30, 2026 to March 30, 2026
Monday at 12:30 PM
Join local artist Katie LeCocq for a most unusual painting experience! We will paint a rose with coffee in this most fragrant of painting mediums. Participants will go home with a handsome conversation starter. No experience necessary and all materials provided. Offered in partnership with The Art Studio, the arts education center of New Castle County’s Department of Community Services, located at 310 Kiamensi Road, Wilmington, DE 19804. Additional fee: Please note that this course requires an additional fee of $37. Participants receive a payment link from OLLI prior to the first class. There is also an additional $10 material fee due to the instructor at the first class.
Taught by: Katherine Lecocq, Nicole Sexton
Wilmington (off site, 310 Kiamensi Road): April 23, 2026 to April 23, 2026
Thursday at 12:30 PM
In this hands-on class, participants learn how to design and carve their own custom stamp using soft linoleum blocks — perfect for beginners and experienced crafters alike! With guidance and easy-to-use tools, you’ll transform your drawing into a reusable stamp that can be used for card making, journaling, fabric printing, and more. Offered in partnership with The Art Studio, the arts education center of New Castle County’s Department of Community Services, located at 310 Kiamensi Road, Wilmington, DE 19804. Additional fee: Please note that this course requires an additional fee of $37. Participants receive a payment link from OLLI prior to the first class. There is also an additional $8 material fee due to the instructor at the first class.
Taught by: Katherine Lecocq, Nicole Sexton
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): March 31, 2026 to April 28, 2026
Tuesday at 10:45 AM
Required text: The Berlin Stories, Christopher Isherwood, ISBN 0-81-121804-X. A shockingly brilliant new musical in 1966, Cabaret’s message is frighteningly relevant in today’s world. Since then it has been made into an Academy Award winning film, and the stage version has undergone two radical reinterpretations in London and on Broadway. We will travel back and uncover Cabaret’s source materials including the Berlin Stories and look at life in Weimar Berlin. This class is an updating of material from Cabaret 50 first presented in 2022.
Taught by: Thomas Powderly
The meeting day and time of this class has been changed since catalog publication.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): April 2, 2026 to April 30, 2026
Thursday at 10:45 AM
Required text: A Field Guide to Bluegrass Music, Jeff Westerinen, online resource (https://blueoctanebluegrass.com/a-field-guide-to-bluegrass/). The course is a comprehensive guide to bluegrass music, designed for both musicians and non-musicians. It covers the history, sub-genres and key elements of bluegrass, aiming to provide a foundation for understanding its development and evolution. The course includes live demonstrations of each bluegrass instrument, helping students develop a trained ear for deeper listening (and playing).
Taught by: Andrea Westerinen, Jeff Westerinen
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): March 30, 2026 to April 27, 2026
Monday at 12:45 PM
Prerequisite: A computer with recording software for eventual home use. Computers with recording software will be available in the classroom. This course provides the basics you need to make your songs come alive. It provides an overview of the recording process, demystifying terms like DAW, MIDI, channels, tracks and latency. Then it dives into the processes of recording and editing audio, MIDI, effects and other fun topics. The course includes live recording sessions in which students see the process and get hands-on experience. Various recording software products are discussed ranging from free to $100 to “the sky is the limit.”
Taught by: Terry Merriman
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): March 31, 2026 to April 28, 2026
Tuesday at 2:30 PM
Today’s news isn’t just about reporting facts: it’s about creating compelling stories that engage/enrage and influence audiences. Every headline, photo, blog post, article and soundbite is crafted to capture attention and frame how we see events. This course explores how news stories are constructed, why different outlets discuss the same event in very different ways, and how storytelling techniques influence public opinion, trust, and democracy itself.
Taught by: Andrea Westerinen, Jeff Westerinen
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): April 1, 2026 to April 29, 2026
Wednesday at 12:45 PM
The Coen brothers, Joel and Ethan, stand as one of the most celebrated filmmaking duos in modern cinema. Their films are known for their stylish visuals, complex and often absurd plots and eccentric, larger than life characters. We view one of their films each week, in its entirety. At the beginning of each class, there will be a presentation describing the making of the movie. Afterward, there will be time for questions and comments.
Taught by: Susan Klugerman
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): March 30, 2026 to April 27, 2026
Monday at 2:30 PM
Prerequisite: Suggested to have taken the New Orleans History course. Musician Jesse Moore said New Orleans is “not a city. It’s a way of life…. a place that you fall deeply in love with.” This class will explain the culture of the Big Easy: Creoles and Cajuns, free people of color, food and architecture like nowhere else, Mardi Gras, and jazz. We’ll explore stories of fascinating people, many of them women, who made a unique city. Hopefully at the end of the class, you will agree with Bob Dylan that “There are a lot of places I like, but I like New Orleans better.”
Taught by: Suzanne Stone
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): April 21, 2026 to April 28, 2026
Tuesday at 2:30 PM
During the 1926 World Series, Babe Ruth promised an ailing boy named Johnny Sylvester that he would knock a homer for him, and that promise became a legend. As the great-nephew of Johnny Sylvester and documentary maker of “I’ll Knock a Homer for You,” the instructor screens and discusses his film in this class. Discover insights into the inspiring life of the Bambino and his rise to achieve greatness. Learn about the making of this documentary, as well as the 1926 World Series which serves as a backdrop to the story.
Taught by: Andrew Lilley
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): April 1, 2026 to April 29, 2026
Wednesday at 12:45 PM
Required text: Forgive for Good, Dr. Fred Luskin. Participants learn and discuss what forgiveness is and is not, and the barriers involved. We explore how we benefit physically, emotionally and mentally from practicing forgiveness. Class participants are asked to read the book, Forgive for Good, by Dr. Fred Luskin. This book, stories, short videos and an article written by the instructor illustrate concepts and provide opportunities for reflection and class discussion.
Taught by: Eileen Donnelly
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): March 31, 2026 to April 28, 2026
Tuesday at 12:45 PM
Required text: Identical Misfortune, Richard Zappa, ISBN 979-8-697031-04-02. This course introduces participants to novel writing, covering the fundamentals of storytelling, genre, plot, characters, narration and dialogue. To facilitate discussion, participants should read and bring to each session the novel, Identical Misfortune, which is available for purchase on Amazon, and will be used as a teaching aid. This course is designed for anyone who has an interest in writing a novel or memoir.
Taught by: Richard Zappa
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): April 1, 2026 to April 29, 2026
Wednesday at 12:45 PM
This is a course for discussing AI, not for using it.
Prerequisite: Course on beginning AI, or equivalent experience.
In this course we cover foundational artificial intelligence (AI) concepts, technical infrastructure, practical applications, and the societal implications of AI’s rapid emergence. Over five sessions, we explore in lecture and discussion: AI as industrial-scale upheaval (economics, energy, data centers, ecosystem, and an AI taxonomy); how large language models (LLMs) work, with demos of the concepts; advanced prompting, reasoning models and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG); multimodal AI, agents, emergent behavior with exercises; and jobs, sector impacts, governance, artificial general intelligence (AGI), and guided reflection.
Taught by: Andrea Westerinen, Jeff Westerinen
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): April 1, 2026 to April 29, 2026
Wednesday at 9:00 AM
Prerequisite: Basic knowledge of Microsoft Word. This session builds on students’ foundational Word skills with practical applications for professional documents. Students learn how to use indents and tabs, create lists and insert hyperlinks, incorporate breaks and columns, insert pictures and text wrapping, and format pictures. Additional topics include how to document changes and use mail merge for personalized communications.
Taught by: Phillip Weinberg, Reg Herzog
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): April 1, 2026 to April 29, 2026
Wednesday at 2:30 PM
Prerequisite: Computer skills, familiarity with Excel and smartphones. Ever wish that you had a simple phone application to keep track of family genealogy, to plan your next trip, or to share information with a group? In this course, we’ll transform a spreadsheet into a working smartphone application using a free, user-friendly, visual tool (no coding!). We’ll discuss application design, data organization and interactive features — all without programming. Step by step, you’ll build and publish (to your family and friends) a custom application that runs on your phone. (Note that publishing to the Apple or Android application store requires additional steps and is not covered.) The learnings from this class should be directly translatable to other no-coding platforms. When registering, sign up for either the section using an OLLI computer, or the section for those bringing their own laptops.
Taught by: Andrea Westerinen, Jeff Westerinen
Wilmington off-site location: April 1, 2026 to April 29, 2026
Wednesday at 9:00 AM
Join the garden manager to learn about the life of Marian Coffin, Gibraltar’s history and the design principles that shaped the estate. Participants gain insights into plant palettes and influences and tour the gardens.
Taught by: Liz Allen
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): March 30, 2026 to April 27, 2026
Monday at 9:00 AM
Additional fee: This DelNature course requires an additional $50 registration fee. There is also a $15 fee for each optional weekly field trip if students choose to participate, which is payable to the Delaware Nature Society. Do you love nature and want to learn more about it? Then this introduction to Delaware’s natural resources is for you! Each week’s presentation will center around a different key topic, and an optional weekly field trip will be offered to participants. Please note additional fees mentioned above, which support the work and expertise of the Delaware Nature Society (DelNature) Adult Education Team.
Taught by: Declan O’Neil
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): March 30, 2026 to April 27, 2026
Monday at 12:45 PM
This citizen science course explores the ecology of native pollinators and honey bees on and around the UD Goodstay campus. Participants learn how pollinators interact with local habitats, examine seasonal floral resources and practice simple observation and data-gathering methods. The course welcomes all, from native pollinator supporters to honey bee enthusiasts, and uses shared scientific exploration to build understanding rather than debate. Through brief lectures, guided outdoor sessions and collaborative discussion, participants contribute to a growing picture of pollinator activity and identify opportunities to support healthy, diverse landscapes.
Taught by: Jeff Kline, Mike Krzyzanowski
This course has been added since catalog publication.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): April 2, 2026 to April 30, 2026
Thursday at 10:45 AM
This course introduces learners to the unique and emerging field of space medicine that studies how human physiology and psychology adapt to space and how risks associated with spaceflight are addressed. It’s an interdisciplinary course integrating biology, medicine, engineering, physics and chemistry, but requires no prior knowledge. Class members will learn about the environmental factors that make spaceflight challenging, such as how different body systems respond to microgravity. For example, musculoskeletal and cardiovascular changes in space will be compared to accelerated aging on Earth. Members will learn how health is maintained in space with examples and case studies from current practices aboard the International Space Station. The final lecture session will focus on the future of human spaceflight plans, including the NASA Artemis program missions.
This course is taught by a University of Delaware graduate student through the new UD OLLI Scholars program.
Taught by: Ayham Ghith
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): March 31, 2026 to April 28, 2026
Tuesday at 12:45 PM
A plant friendly diet can help us live longer and healthier, and it’s also great for the planet. This is a six-week course that is science based as well full of practical ideas on making changes, including lots of recipes. Remember to eat your kale!
Taught by: Judy Filipkowski
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): March 31, 2026 to April 28, 2026
Tuesday at 12:45 PM
This class includes guest speakers with topics addressing our physical and mental wellbeing. Participants should bring water and come prepared to walk for half the class time. Walkers are divided into three different groups in accordance with their own walking style: those who enjoy strolling, average-paced and fast walkers. Routes are outlined by the instructors. Participants enjoy the camaraderie of chatting with classmates and the endorphin boost that results from walking. Nothing but fun!
Taught by: Merrill Stein
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): March 31, 2026 to April 28, 2026
Tuesday at 10:45 AM
This class offers discussion of the patient health evaluation, including history-taking and the basic measurement and significance of the vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, temperature and respiratory rate). Over the course of five lectures, we’ll also have some limited hands-on instructions for self-examination, and provide an opportunity to improve understanding of the clinical evaluation process, promote health awareness and self-check to help with assessment of risk factors.
Taught by: Hisham Sherif
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): March 31, 2026 to April 28, 2026
Tuesday at 9:00 AM
In the 19th century, infections were the most common cause of death. But by the 1960s, infectious diseases were thought to be largely conquered. Antibiotic resistance, globalization, emerging diseases, climate change and other forces have shifted this battle back in favor of our ancient enemies. Through lecture, videos and discussion we discuss where we have come from fighting infections, new emerging diseases, antibiotic resistance and its consequences, and new weapons in our fight.
Taught by: Cynthia Heldt
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): April 3, 2026 to May 1, 2026
Friday at 10:45 AM
Based upon my mantra: an individual does not stop dancing as she/he ages; an individual ages because she/he stops dancing, I am inspired to offer this class. Having been involved in healthcare for four decades, I am convinced that physical activity is critical for maximizing our mental and physical potentials as we grow older. The mind-body connection is interdependent as one complements the other throughout our life cycle. My intent in this introductory class is to inspire moving to the music!
Taught by: Nancy Nottingham
This class has been extended to a 6-week session since catalog publication.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): March 31, 2026 to May 5, 2026
Tuesday at 10:45 AM
Have you ever wondered about the origin and nature of your gemstones? This class will try to answer many of your questions. We will learn what common gemstones are to a mineralogist, and then delve into the occurrence and mining of natural gems. We will discuss the properties of gemstones and how those are used to identify them, and finish with how gems are polished and treated to enhance them.
Taught by: Dave Ellis
This course has been added since catalog publication.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): April 2, 2026 to April 30, 2026
Thursday at 9:00 AM
This course will introduce key concepts in chemistry using cooking as an interactive teaching method. Each class will revolve around a specific topic in chemistry, using cooking as a real-world example. These topics include: water, salts, acids and bases, and the Maillard Reaction (non-enzymatic browning). By the end of the course, student members will take home useful recipes based on the ingredients discussed in each topic and information about chemistry that grandparents could share with their grandchildren while teaching them to cook. No prerequisites are required.
This course is taught by a University of Delaware graduate student through the new UD OLLI Scholars program.
Taught by: Tristan Mabee
Wilmington (off site, 310 Kiamensi Road): April 30, 2026 to April 30, 2026
Thursday at 12:30 PM
Participants paint or color a multi-stage drawing inspired by the beautiful Jasper Crane Rose Garden in Brandywine Park. Then, learn how to transform your artwork into a three-dimensional tunnel book — a layered, sculptural form of storytelling that creates depth and visual intrigue. Offered in partnership with The Art Studio, the arts education center of New Castle County’s Department of Community Services, located at 310 Kiamensi Road, Wilmington, DE 19804. Additional fee: Please note that this course requires an additional fee of $37. Participants receive a payment link from OLLI prior to the first class. There is also an additional $8 material fee due to the instructor at the first class.
Taught by: Katherine Lecocq, Nicole Sexton
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): March 30, 2026 to April 27, 2026
Monday at 2:30 PM
The campus trees have been measured and identified. We continue to learn about the Wilmington campus, its trees, and arboreal practices. We have both indoor and outdoor activities to continue our tree stewardship. In addition to enjoying our trees, we enjoy spending time with others who enjoy trees.
Taught by: Ann Hapka, Hanna Zyruk, Jim Hainer
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Delaware
OLLI is an academic cooperative for adults 50 and over to enjoy classes, teach, exchange ideas and socialize together, with no exams or educational requirements for participation. OLLI welcomes you.
Kent/Sussex | Wilmington